Support schemes lift graduate jobs hopes

Graduates looking for jobs may be facing a daunting task as a result of the ongoing economic downturn, but there is plenty of help out there if they know where to look, it has been claimed.

Writing for the Newcastle Journal, Karen Dent said that while the job market is tough at the moment and there is a lot of competition for graduate jobs, there are things people can do to improve their chances of getting their foot on the career ladder.

Jo Lennon, from business development company Entrust, said: "There are a lot more people graduating now. They should prepare with work experience as it gives added value.

"Motivated graduates are what employers want to see."

She added that doing things like charity work can help with the development of team work and planning skills.

Meanwhile, top accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, which has an extensive graduate job programme, recently saw several of its employees doing voluntary work for the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in Barnes, London.